“This matchup between these two accomplished stars marks yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between Japan and Korea in the world of sports,” said Marcus Luer, Glory Sports International Managing Director. “When athletes from these two nations clash, it’s not just about winning and losing. The significance is far greater.”

The 32-year-old Sato is a two-time national champion in the old K-1 tournament series, winning back-to-back national championships in Japan in 2006 and 2007, respectively. To date, Sato, also a skilled Karate player, has defeated a host of rival superstars during his stellar, 15-year professional career, including Mike Zambidis, Peter Crooke and Kaoklai Kaennorsing.

On July 7, 2008, Sato avenged two previous defeats at the hands of pound-for-pound sensation Buakaw Por Pramuk, crumbling the Thai champion in the third round of their matchup with a right hook.

Known for his speed and sophisticated combinations, Lee has quickly become a force in Asia. In January, he defeated Japanese nemesis, Yuki, for the second time in his career to earn a championship.

In 2012, Lee reeled off a perfect 4-0 record in the ring, earning his first victory over Yuki as well as wins over top contenders Yuto Watanabe and Shohei Asahara.

Tickets for GLORY 8 Tokyo, beginning at 16:00 at Ariake Coliseum on Friday, May 3, are priced from ¥5,000, and can be purchased online at Pia (http://pia.jp/t/), E-Plus (http://eplus.jp) and Lawson Ticket (http:l-tike.com).

The winner of the quarterfinal stage bout between Amrani and Vinicius will face the winner of the quarterfinal stage fight between Harrison and Noiri while the victor of the quarterfinal stage contest between Ezbiri and Varga will square off with the winner of the bout between Kubo and Lim. The two winners of the semifinal stage fights will face off in the championship stage of the tournament with a $100,000 grand prize at stake.

In GLORY 8 Tokyo Superfight action, all-time great Jerome Le Banner (73-21-2, 59 KOs) of France will face off in a heavyweight rematch with Muay Thai champion Koichi (26-8-1, 15 KOs) of Japan after scoring a third round KO on Koichi in their first meeting, also a Superfight, at GLORY 4 Tokyo on New Year’s Eve.